Isle of Wight News & Features

Isle of Wight News and Features

There is so much to say about the Isle of Wight, it’s sometimes difficult to know quite where to begin. Hopefully you might find some articles here that will inspire you to visit the Isle of Wight for the first time or perhaps encourage you to visit again soon.

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Cruising has now become one on the most popular ways to enjoy some sunshine and see the world. The cruise ships are getting larger as shipping companies expand their fleets. One of the busiest stretches of waters is The Solent leading to Portsmouth and Southampton, where these ships depart from and return too. When on

Fancy a nice walk to ease your self into the new year? Why not get the pooch on the lead, wrap up and get out on one of the many lovely walks all across the Isle of Wight. The good folks over at National Trust have even put together a range of brilliant downloadable walks for you.

There is loads to look forward to in 2019 and none so much as our vibrant events calendar. 2019 is bursting at the seams with things to do and see, you will be spoilt for choice. Have a look at our guide to some of the highlights events and make sure you don’t miss out:

Traditionally starting on the 25th December until the 5th January 2019, the 12 days of Christmas, (aka Twixmas) is a time for spending with family, having fun and enjoying the festivities, but most of the time, we don’t know what to do with ourselves! Check out some of out top things to do this holiday

Christmas is a magical time on the Isle of Wight and the perfect place for little ones to visit the main man, Santa Claus/Father Christmas/St Nick or whatever moniker you choose for the jolly man in red. Read our guide to where to meet him this December… The Needles Star of Wonder Christmas Grotto brings

TV Legends Dick & Dom get ready to launch their own, brand new family summer festival. The Great Wonderfest is coming to the Isle of Wight for 1-4 August 2019 at a soon to be revealed secret location. Register now for early bird offer tickets and line up information. Bringing their unique brand of family

As the Christmas madness approaches, families looking for a chance to escape for some quality time should look no further than the Isle of Wight. Families can enjoy Wightlink’s Kids Go Free offer during the Christmas holidays*. Under 5s always travel for free with Wightlink, but during the festive break passengers can take up to two children

All holidays and trips are about having an ‘experience’. In fact, whilst the ‘flop on a beach’ is still very much in existence, many people are looking at ways to use their downtime more effectively. Learning or improving a skill, gaining a new hobby or using the time for self-improvement. Here at isleofwight.co.uk, we were

It is getting decidedly close to that time of year when we run around like headless chickens, panic buying bumper packs of chocolate or smellies from high street shops just in time for Christmas. Whilst there is nothing wrong with chocolate or smellies from high street stores, if you can get organised, you will discover

Autumn and winter is a great time to visit the Isle of Wight. Less crowded than the warmer months but still with the abundantly beautiful scenery. Enjoy the stunning colours as the leaves turn, the miles of countryside and coast to explore and the almost deserted beaches. Finish off with a pub lunch in front

The Isle of Wight is an ideal destination for lovers of both cycling and top foodie spots, with beautiful scenery to admire along amazing cycle routes, and recommended places to stop off along the way. From tea rooms using home grown produce to locations with a divine backdrop, here are some excellent cycle routes and

Our friends over at Taste of the Wight have been very busy bees, producing a brand new comprehensive Isle of Wight Pub Guide in association with the Isle of Wight branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). The Isle of Wight Pub Guide is packed with detailed listings for all the pubs on the Island, as

Tapnell Farm Park are inviting you to take a stroll into the ‘deep dark wood’ this Autumn, with an appearance from The Gruffalo at their Wild Woodland Weekend on November 10th and 11th. The Gruffalo, the mythical monster who stars in Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s popular children’s books, will be appearing at intervals throughout the

It’s the scariest time of the year and here on the Isle of Wight, there is plenty of freak-fun to give you a fright! Here’s our guide to what’s on this Halloween… Wicked Nights at Blackgang Chine Brand new for 2018, Wicked Nights run from 20th October to 3rd November. This horror event includes scary

With a great selection of outdoor activities that are guaranteed to get kids and adults having fun in the fresh autumnal air, the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination for an adventurous family holiday this half term. What’s more, with Wightlink’s Kids Go Free offer, kids travel free as foot passengers between 20 October and 4

The last local music festival of the summer, the sun set on Eklectica last night and what was widely regarded as one of the best events of the season. The family-friendly festival saw acts such as The Fratellis, Scouting for Girls, The Hoosiers, Tinchy Stryder and Pixie Lott mixed with some of the best in

The Daily Mail this week published its UK Best Seaside Pubs to Stay In and The Spyglass Inn was amongst them. The Spyglass Inn is one of the most popular and iconic pubs on the Island with locals and visitors alike. Set in possibly the most enviable position, it sits atop Ventnor Esplanade – and, if

Victorious Festival in Southsea is just a 12 minute hovercraft ‘flight’ across from Ryde Esplanade. Many people just don’t realise how quick and easy it is to visit the Isle of Wight whilst also enjoying the unique experience of travelling with Hovertravel. When Southsea is hosting one of the top festivals in this part of

Swimming and relaxing normally spring to mind when you think about the Island’s miles of golden sandy beaches. But what could be more thrilling than horse riding through the surf? With hundreds of miles of bridleways, the Isle of Wight is perfect for horse riding. Horseback perhaps offers the best vantage point to enjoy the

August Bank Holiday is nearly upon us and there is plenty going on on the Island, with something for everyone. Here is our guide to Bank Holiday events – what’s on and where to go on the Isle of Wight: For the family Visit the 44th Island Steam Show at the Isle of Wight Steam

Isle of Wight Distillery, with The National Museum of the Royal Navy, has created a true Navy Strength Rum. Launched on 31st July aboard HMS Victory, to coincide with ‘Black Tot Day’. HMS Victory Rum is a fine blend of aged demerara rum from Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica. Reminiscent of the taste of traditional ‘Rum Tots’

Eklectica festival 2018 is set to be bigger and better. Organisers have also announced the theme for the weekend – Tropical Rave! Held at Robin Hill County Park, the Eklectica festival runs over the weekend of Friday 7th September to Sunday 9th September. The 2018 lineup includes top names such as The Fratellis, Toploader, Tinchy Stryder. Also Scouting

This weekend, the Isle of Wight is gearing up for the 87th Round the Island Race. The first race took place way back in 1931 and was the brainchild of Major Cyril Windeler from the Island Sailing Club. What started out as a race with only 25 entries, has today grown into one of the biggest

Isle of Wight Arts Open Studios returns for 2018. For 10 days in July, the public are invited into the studio, home or exhibition space of local artists to find out more about what inspires them and view more of their work. The Island has long been a magnet for artists, attracted to the rugged coastlines,

A unique 17-seater bike experience with an eco-friendly heart will roll into Ryde this summer. Set to brighten Britain’s beaches, the world’s first BoRo Beach Bike will be launched on the Isle of Wight in July. Modelled on a quintessentially English beach hut – complete with surfboards and striped decor – passengers will be able

Rhythmtree Festival returns to Three Gates Farm this summer on the 13, 14 & 15 July and promises to continue its reputation for bringing together a diverse, rich mix of high quality music and family entertainment and will showcase an increasingly diverse range of music with musicians from the Island, UK and beyond. This year, headliners

More than half of the tickets for this year’s Wightlink Ryde Slide on Sunday 22nd July have been sold and the organisers are encouraging everyone to book their tickets soon. “Each year the slide has got better and better and our plans for 2018 are looking fantastic,” commented Cllr Wayne Whittle, founder of the Ryde

Conceived as a project to commemorate these legendary Festivals, All Wight Now plans a series of 3 annual events over the next 3 years. The name, All Wight Now, recalls the title of one of the biggest hits of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival: ‘All Right Now’ by Free. Festival veterans, fans of 1960s music

A true labour of love can be the only fitting description for the huge undertaking of returning Farringford to its former glory. Built in 1802, Farringford became home to Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson and his family in 1853 and remained so until his death in 1892. The house stayed in the Tennyson family until it was

You know that summer is most definitely here when the Big Top is up and the flags are flying at the Isle of Wight Festival. Widely considered to be the first festival of the season, 2018 is set for great things. As well as exciting headliners including Depeche Mode, The Killers, Kasabian and Liam Gallagher,

The Island might be well known for its unique climate and extra hours of sunshine but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty of fun to be had when it rains. What with having just spent half term with a good few rainy days, we thought it would be a good time to update our

The Prodigy and Paul Weller join The Libertines at the top of the bill. Additional second phase artists also revealed include Paloma Faith, Friendly Fires, Years & Years, Happy Monday’s and Everything Everything. Having previously revealed The Libertines and Kaiser Chiefs at the top of the bill for Friday night, Victorious (24-26 August‘ 18) the UK

We love the Isle of Wight and are sure you will too. Here are our top 5 reasons to make our little rock your number one choice for your next camping and caravanning adventure… #1 Beaches – we have loads of them. Beaches for sitting on, beaches for walking on, beaches forswimming, beaches for surfing,

Heading to the beach might not the first thought throughout the cold winter months, but there are actually many ways to enjoy our coastlines when the bad weather hits… Doggie-friendly: During the winter months, your four-legged pals can scamper to their heart’s content on all of our beautiful beaches as the restrictions are lifted during this time, so

It’s nearly the holiday season so chance are, you will be off out on a good walk or bike ride at some point over the break and with over 500 miles of award-winning footpaths, bridleways and tracks you are never too far from a start and finishing line. Both are a great form of exercise (especially after the

The Seaview Hotel has launched their ‘Sustainable Seaview’ initiative with electric bicycles available to hire, as well as charging stations. A cheaper and decidedly greener way of exploring the Island, the bikes can be a fun part of a break on the Isle of Wight. If you are trying to keep up your exercise regime

As tickets go on sale today, The Isle of Wight Festival 2018 have announced Depeche Mode, The Killers, Kasabian and Liam Gallagher, as this year’s headliners. The Script, Van Morrison, Blossoms and James Bay will also perform at the 50th anniversary of the first event in 1968. John Giddings of Isle of Wight Festival, commented:

December is finally here, so we can officially talk about Christmas now (yay!) There is little better than wandering around a festive market during the holiday season, sipping on mulled wine, munching on roast chestnuts and watching the sparkly lights on the trees. Couple this with a shopping opportunity to pick up some locally made pieces

Whether he is Father Christmas, Santa Claus or good old Saint Nick in your home, chances are, your little ones are dying to see him and are hoping they made it onto his nice list this year! The man in red is in residence at several places on the Island this Christmas, so why not

Today The Isle of Wight Festival 2018 has released exclusive ‘Islander’ weekend tickets for Isle of Wight Residents to attend the festival which takes place from 21st – 24th June at Seaclose, Park. Available from The Price is Wight and Ticketmaster isleofwightfestival.com/tickets This year will be a special celebration to mark the 50th Anniversary of

As the main season draws to a close, it’s going out with a bang at Blackgang Chine! Possibly the most renowned fireworks show on the Island returns for 2017 and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Blackgang Chine will be showcasing an electrifying firework display to some serious tunes, courtesy of DJ Omar. Pirate Cove

The Isle of Wight Classic Buses, Beer & Walks Weekend is back for the 4th year running this coming weekend, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th October. One of the most popular events on the Island, this year sees over 80 venues taking part and over 70 vintage buses spanning the generations from 1937 to 2002, and

Queen Victoria is everywhere at the moment, thanks to the successful motion picture ‘Victoria & Abdul’ and TV adaptation ‘Victoria’ currently on our screens. On the Island, you are never too far from her heritage and now thanks to a brand new trail, you can truly walk in her footsteps and learn more about the

There is lots to do on the Island this coming half term, with Halloween frights and lots of other autumn fun to be had. Take a look at our guide to whats on, so you don’t miss any of the action. Tapnell Farm have joined forces with legendary ghost hunter Marc Tuckey to provide ghost

Our diamond shaped Island is famous for its extraordinary geology, which in turn creates a wide variety of habitats – river estuaries, high cliffs, marshy wetlands, woodland and rolling countryside. This natural diversity makes it a wonderful destination for watching birds; whether you are a serious birders looking to add to your annual list, or

When the rain hits, as it invariably will being the good old UK, it can be hard to think of some things to do with the kids to keep them entertained. Here are our top picks of things to do on the Island on a wet weather day: Indoor play is the obvious choice. Take

You might be forgiven for thinking that the Isle of Wight shuts up shop as the last of the summer holidaymakers waves goodbye as they head back to the mainland in time for a new term. But actually, September is a great time to pay us a visit and here’s why… Less busy! The hustle

You can’t fail to miss the thousands of scooters that descend on the Island each year for August Bank Holiday weekend. Arriving in their droves, you can barley see Ryde for the sheer amount of mirrors about! The scooter rally has been taking place here on the Island since approximately 1980. It was during the

A a new feature film out soon will shed light on an unlikely friendship struck in Queen Victoria’s later years with much of it played out right here on the Isle of Wight. Victoria and Abdul charts the extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria’s remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim (played

As Rhythmtree wound down last night and as the final campers pack up and leave this morning, Rhythmtree Festival has cemented itself as one of the Island’s leading homegrown festivals, perhaps filling the void that Bestival has left behind. It was everything you could want in a local festival, from an eclectic mix of local

The concept of Yarmouth Vintage Car Boot Sale is very simple…they sell vintage items from vintage vehicles! Local vintage car owners and antique dealers joined up to create the event, they admit because they wanted to clear out their storage space as much as possible so that they can keep buying even more stuff…! Yarmouth Vintage Car Boot

Isle of Wight Arts brings Open Studios to the Island from Friday 14th to Monday 24th July offering the perfect chance to see some of the Island’s talented and creative artists in their own studio or space. Visitors have the opportunity to meet local artists, see their work and find out more about the techniques they

The Island is well known for events, but often it’s the Isle of Wight Festival and Cowes Week with their national and international draw, that first spring to mind. With the absence of Bestival this year, some could be forgiven for thinking that’s it for the event season. However, delve a little deeper and a

The Round the Island Race is sailing’s answer to the London Marathon as 1600 boats, crewed by some of the biggest names in sailing as well as keen amateur sailors, skim past The Needles, the Island’s distinctive rocky structure, round St Catherine’s Point and Bembridge Ledge and back into the Solent. It was first held

Lately, you could be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere tropical when in fact, you are right here on the Isle of Wight. This could be down to the fact that the sun has been shining every day and wildlife not normally associated with the UK has been popping up all over the show. Children

Marking the beginning of the UK’s festival calendar, The Isle of Wight Festival will soon be here, so get ready for fantastic music, a fun atmosphere and a lot of people. The Isle of Wight will soon be swarming with fans of popular and legendary music in performances that will not be forgotten. Featuring on

The Ryde Slide, sponsored by Wightlink, returns on Sunday 16th July and will be bigger and faster, than ever. The 200-metre inflatable water slide on Union Street will be in action from 11am until 6pm, providing a fantastic opportunity to have fun and raise money for local good causes at the same time. This year,

The Isle of Wight’s Monkey Haven has been named as the best Small Visitor Attraction in the country by tourism chiefs at VisitEngland. On Monday 24th April, the primate rescue centre was given the top spot in the 2017 Awards for Excellence at a ceremony hosted by comedian Sue Perkins at London’s Hilton Waldorf. A

Cowes and East Cowes will be celebrating Polish style as the weekend of the 4th-7th May marks the 75th anniversary of the ORP Blyskawica’s defence of the towns. Overnight on the 4-5 May 1942, during WW2, the Luftwaffe carried out a ferocious aerial attack on Cowes using some 160 fighter bombers in two raids. Fortunately for

Spring has sprung and the Easter holidays are just around the corner. Here is our guide to what is on this Easter and how to keep all the family entertained this April: Would it be Easter without the chance to run around like an loony looking for chocolate eggs? Thankfully there are several egg hunts

Filming of Victoria and Abdul on the Isle of Wight is all wrapped up and set for release on the 15th September. The film documents the close friendship between the Queen, played by acting royalty, Dame Judi Dench and her Indian aide Abdul Karim, in the monarchs later years, and showcases some of the beautiful interiors

Blackgang Chine, one of the Island’s best-loved attractions is set to unveil its latest addition in time for the Easter holidays. The brand new magical theme world, Underwater Kingdom, features a magical underwater cave, vibrant luminescent coral reef, an abandoned sunken shipwreck and the most amazing array of colourful larger than life animatronic sea creatures as you

Ventnor International Festival, taking place on the 11th August to coincide with Ventnor Fringe Festival, has announced Happyness, Girl Ray, Her’s, Elder Island, Bad Sounds and Puma Blue as the first acts to be confirmed. The festival was created by the team behind the critically acclaimed Ventnor Fringe, VIF is the Isle of Wight’s unique

There is reason to celebrate at Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Monkey Haven this week as both businesses have been awarded Gold 2016 in the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme for the second year in a row. Possibly one of the biggest awards in the tourism industry, a gold accolade is no mean feat.

One of the most unique events on the Island is celebrating it’s tenth anniversary next month. Saturday February 25th is the date for your diary for the Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition taking place, a sure sign that spring is on its way. The location will be at New Barns Farm in Calbourne, keep your eye

If your New Year resolution was anything like ours and involves getting fitter and healthier then now could be the perfect time to sign up for the Ultra Challenge in April. Taking place over the bank holiday weekend on the 29th-30th April, around 2000 adventurer’s will take on the Isle of Wight by walking, jogging

When it is pouring down with rain, the talk of snow is rife and the heating is on at every opportunity most of us are daydreaming about lazy, hazy summer days. Hot sunshine and glistening seas may seem a distant memory but now we are on the right side of summer, why not treat yourself to

The Isle of Wight must be one of the most romantic places in the UK to visit at anytime of the year but particularly during the winter months, when it is quieter and wilder. A trip to the Island over Valentines Day is perfect for lovers whatever age. There are tonnes of stunning beaches and coastal

The New Year’s Honour list for 2017 recognises 5 of our local Islanders including Glyn Ellis as Operations Manager of the Inshore Lifeboat Centre at East Cowes. Glyn, 59, has worked for the RNLI for 20 years and, during that time, has transformed the way it produces and maintains inshore lifeboats. Each year, Glyn ensures

One of the nations best-loved shows is set to come to the Isle of Wight in September. The Antiques Roadshow will visit Osborne as part of the programmes 40th year celebrations and filming will take place on the 14th September 2017. There will be around 30 experts on hand to give advice and valuations to

It is a very sad day for the Isle of Wight as it has been announced that Bestival will be leaving it’s home at Robin Hill Country Park to relocate to Lulworth Estate in Dorset for 2017 where Bestival already host their sister event Camp Bestival. Bestival has been held on the Isle of Wight

Walk off the festive gains with a new initiative for the New Year, the Fresh Start Walking Weekend which will take place on the Island over the weekend of the 7th and 8th January 2017. The weekend will feature 10 guided walks including the Barnsley Trail, a four mile circular walk through countryside and shorelines,

Yarmouth and the West Wight are celebrating this week following the news that the Old Gaffers Festival is making a comeback in June 2017. The popular event will take place over the 2nd to 4th of June 2017, celebrating the colourful gaff-rigged and traditional sailing boats, which race in the Solent over the weekend. On shore activities

Taste of the Wight have launched the Isle of Wight Recipe Book in perfect time for Christmas. Celebrating local produce as well as local people, the recipes feature the best of Isle of Wight produce. The recipes are from a mix of local residents, home cooks and even some well known Island names including Alan Titchmarsh, Mark King

It is now the time when we are starting to think about all the tasty food that goes hand in hand with the festive season. Where to spend Christmas Day, who will be stuck in the kitchen and most importantly, where the sherry is hidden! Taste of the Wight are the Island’s leading independent guide

The Island is special throughout the year but maybe even more so at Christmas. November is not too early to start getting your festive hat on (Christmas is only six weeks away) and enjoy some of the great seasonal entertainment across the Isle of Wight. Here is our guide to getting in the spirit over the

Always up for a celebration, it is no wonder that the Island has many Bonfire and Fireworks displays this coming weekend. Here we have rounded up some of the best displays to get your firework fix. Kicking off the weekend is Bembridge Fireworks Night held in Steyne Park from 6.30-8.30pm. There will be stalls, live

There is a distinct chill in the air and an eerie silence, soon to be shattered with piercing screams – but do not fear, it is only the sound of children having fun as Halloween approaches and the Island turns from Wight to Fright…. Arreton Barns are hosting a ‘Half Term Halloween Extravaganza’ from 11am

The Isle of Wight is known as the ‘festival island’ but as the sun sets on the festival season, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Isle of Wight winds down and goes into hibernation until next Spring. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong, in fact there are probably more things going on between August and October

Being surrounded by sea, the Isle of Wight certainly has the ‘Lyons’ share when it comes to ice cream pit stops. Whether it’s a 99 cone on the beachfront in Ventnor, a scoop atop of the Brading Downs or watching the world go by in an ice cream parlour in Cowes, you are spoilt for

The upcoming film Swallows and Amazons adds to the usual family fun at Cowes Week family day, 7 August. It will feature ‘back to basics’ outdoor activities featured in the film as part of the Studiocanal and Visit England partnership celebrating The Great Swallows and Amazons Summer. The enchanting film, in cinemas from 19 August, brings to life

This Friday (15th July) is the start of a 11 day celebration of our local artists with Isle of Wight Arts Open Studios. Open Studios offers a unique opportunity to see the work of over 125 artists from established to emerging talents. Doors to studios are open and you can sneak a peek where you would

There’s a new free summer guide to the Isle of Wight food and drink sector available this month. Taste of the Wight is a full colour 150 page guide to pubs, restaurants, cafes and bistros as well as the many local growers and producers that are based on the Island. There’s new products features as well as editorial

The Minghella family have been producing the Isle of Wight’s most popular ice cream and sorbet for over 60 years and are still continuing to introduce new luxury flavours into the award-winning range. They pride themselves on the careful balance of the finest ingredients to give the freshest premium taste throughout the 200+ flavours in

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